Holy Name High School Sets the Standard: Blood Drive Exceeds National Averages
PARMA HEIGHTS, OH — The gym at Holy Name High School looked more like a triage center than a classroom last week. Folding tables lined the floor, students reclined in Red Cross chairs, and volunteers hustled between donors with clipboards and juice boxes. By the end of the day, the numbers told a story of quiet heroism: 43 pints of blood collected, five Power Red donations, and a total impact equivalent to 53 pints, enough to help nearly 160 patients.
The total exceeds the national average for high school drives, which typically gather between 25 and 40 pints. “Our students showed that service isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live,” said Mrs. Denise McCafferty, Holy Name’s longtime Blood Drive Coordinator. “Every pint represents a person helped. Every volunteer represented hope in action.”
A Drive That Beat the Odds
Seventy-two people signed up to give, including 32 first-time donors. Some arrived nervous, others simply curious about what it means to make a difference. Each successful donation drew cheers and applause from classmates.
Among them were five Power Red donors who gave twice the usual amount of red blood cells through a special process that safely collects two pints instead of one. Those five alone accounted for ten of the day’s 53 pints.
“Power Red donations are game changers,” McCafferty explained. “Hospitals rely heavily on these donations for surgeries, trauma care, and cancer treatments. Seeing students take that extra step is extraordinary.”
What Sets Holy Name Apart
Over the last several years, students and staff have built what McCafferty calls “a well-oiled machine.” From check-in to recovery, every part of the drive runs with efficiency and heart.
Students were diligent in their assigned duties, paying special attention and care to donors. Every bed had a volunteer seated beside it, offering water, chatting, and ensuring each donor felt comfortable and cared for.
“Our one-on-one care is what sets us apart,” said Senior Ava Purgar. “We don’t just collect blood; we accompany people. We sit with them, listen, and make sure every need is met. That spirit of presence and compassion is what defines our community.”
A Culture of Service
Holy Name High School’s mission to educate young adults in mind, body, and spirit finds tangible expression in efforts like the blood drive. Whether volunteering at local shelters, mentoring grade school students, or donating blood, service has become a defining mark of what it means to be a Namer.
By sunset, the gym was quiet again, the cots stacked and tables folded away. What remained were 53 pints of hope ready for transport and a community reminded that compassion, like faith, multiplies when shared.